In a bid to strengthen cricket and improve team performance, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has announced several significant decisions. Key among these are the induction of Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie into the selection committee, the mandatory fitness tests every three months, and compulsory participation in domestic cricket for players.
Selection Committee and Fitness Protocols
Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie, renowned for their cricketing expertise, have been added to the selection committee, bringing their wealth of experience to the table. Each player will now be required to undergo a fitness test every three months to ensure peak physical condition. Participation in domestic cricket is now compulsory, with the selection committee finalizing the criteria for domestic cricket involvement.
Central Contracts and NOC Regulations
The PCB has decided to maintain the remuneration in the central contracts of national players, with the contracts reviewed annually based on performance and fitness. Players’ inclusion in various contract categories will follow a well-defined procedure. Additionally, a technical method for issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for playing in leagues will be established, ensuring that only players meeting the criteria will be granted NOCs.
Emphasis on Discipline and Team Unity
Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stressed zero tolerance for indiscipline, with strict actions against any player violating discipline. Team unity and harmony are deemed paramount, and any infighting will be addressed with stringent measures. Management has been instructed to take immediate action against such behaviors.
High-Performance Centres and Coaching Enhancements
Plans for upgrading high-performance centres have been set in motion, with new centres to be established in Islamabad and Peshawar. Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie are tasked with presenting a final report on this initiative. Separate coaches will be appointed for the Shaheens and Under-19 teams, and a comprehensive programme for regular tournaments will be developed.
Focus on Women’s Cricket and Domestic Contracts
The Director of High-Performance Centres will focus on improving the women’s cricket team’s performance and skills, along with reviewing their central contracts. Men’s domestic contracts will be reviewed by a team comprising Mohammad Yousuf, Asad Shafiq, Usman Wahla, and Nadeem Khan.
Quality of Pitches and Talent Investment
Chairman Naqvi emphasized the need to enhance the quality of pitches and invest in new talent to produce outstanding players. He expressed full confidence in Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie, granting them complete autonomy to achieve excellent results.
High-Level Meeting
A comprehensive three-hour meeting chaired by Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi took place at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. Various proposals for cricket improvement were reviewed, and detailed discussions were held on upgrading high-performance centres and enhancing the standards of Pakistani coaches. The meeting was attended by key figures including White-ball Head Coach Gary Kirsten, Red-ball Head Coach Jason Gillespie, COO PCB Salman Naseer, Director International PCB Usman Wahla, Assistant Coach Azhar Mahmood, Selection Committee members Mohammad Yousuf, Asad Shafiq, Bilal Afzal, Director High-Performance Centres Nadeem Khan, and Director Domestic Cricket Abdullah Khurram Niazi.
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